Herbal medicines are defined as “the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease.” By this definition, cannabinoids derived from hemp and cannabis plants would be classified as herbal plant medicines. Cannabinoids and other compounds found within the cannabis plant have been proven to work better when used together, but what other plant medicines contain natural benefits that work synergistically with CBD? While the research has a long way to go on synergistic efficacy of plant medicine combinations, herbalists and naturopaths have long recommended specific herbs and plants for certain symptoms.  

What does the research say about CBD along with other natural plant medicines?

As of this writing, there is not much research on CBD’s role in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), nor on its synergistic effects when combined with other herbal remedies. While there is no specific research on which herbs are most beneficial when combined with CBD, there has been research done on specific herbs’ benefits as well as research on the benefits of using CBD that we can use to make educated guesses as to which herbs would provide synergistic effects. Additionally, traditional herbalism practitioners and naturopaths who have been trained in herbal remedies and natural medicines can recommend specific combinations based on the symptoms being treated.  

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5 Herbs Recommended for Use with CBD

While scientific studies may have some ground to cover when it comes to herbal CBD combinations, naturopaths, herbalists, and CBD brands are already combining herbs in products like tinctures and topicals. ”Pairing herbs or natural plant medicine with cannabinoids just makes sense,” explains Jordan Person, fellow GRAM writer, herbalist and CBD manufacturer. “Often the plant medicine that you are working with provides a synergistic affect or often even the same effect that a cannabinoid can.” These points are reiterated by naturopaths like Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CNHP. These herbal recipes and recommendations are based on existing research on the benefits of CBD as well as traditional plant medicines that would work well with CBD, including common herbs like lavender, rosemary, echinacea, holy basil, and ginger.  

Lavender

Lavender’s main terpene is linalool, a terpene that is also present in hemp and cannabis, and known to be effective at helping with anxiety. “Anxiety is higher than ever and lavender is rich in the terpene linalool,” explains Person. “This terpene has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. CBD has also shown to lessen these stress-filled symptoms. Combining this cannabinoid with this herb may provide a beneficial effect for anxiety.” Studies back up these claims, suggesting that tinctures and infusions that combine lavender with CBD may help mitigate anxiety. 

Rosemary

According to Hernandez, rosemary may pair well with cannabinoids as hemp, cannabis, and rosemary plants all contain beta-caryophyllene, a terpene known for its analgesic effects and ability to help reduce inflammation. Rosemary is known to offer similar benefits as well as possessing anti-cancer properties similar to those of CBD. As both rosemary and CBD offer similar benefits, it would be logical to infer their synergistic interaction with one another.  

Echinacea  

Both Hernandez and Person recommended echinacea in combination with CBD. Echinacea, or purple coneflower, contains “certain endocannabinoid-like fatty acid N-alkylamides” that can “potently activate CB2 cannabinoid receptors.” Additionally, evidence suggests that plants with high concentrations of these alkylamides and fatty acid amides could have synergistic interactions with cannabinoids like CBD. 

Ginger

Studies have shown that both CBD and non-psychoactive cannabinoids may be effective in the treatment of nausea. Herbs known to help with nausea work great in conjunction with cannabinoid regimens. “Ginger, for example, is great for relieving nausea the same way that THC and CBD can,” explains Person, and research backs up these claims, further indicating that ginger and CBD would be an effective synergistic combination for treating nausea.

Holy Basil

As with rosemary, holy basil or Tulsi, possesses many anti cancer properties like THC and CBD. Additionally, both CBD and tulsi possess anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties that parallel known benefits of cannabinoids, suggesting a highly synergistic relationship between the two plant medicines. 

While the research on specific combinations may still be in its early stages, traditional medicines and herbal teachings suggest that what we know about certain herbs like ginger, holy basil, and lavender, may work well in combination with cannabinoids like CBD, as we learn more about the effects of these cannabinoids. For now, looking for herbs whose benefits parallel those of cannabinoids like CBD will be your best bet at finding synergistic combinations that work for your needs.  

Releaf is a free mobile app that encourages patients to mindfully track their cannabis experiences. They believe you will strengthen your relationship with yourself while also learning how cannabis can help alleviate your specific issues and ailments. GRAM is proud to share with our readers data gathered using Releaf from individuals suffering from stress symptoms. 

They reported the effectiveness of products for specific symptoms of individuals suffering from anxiety, insomnia, agoraphobia, depression, PTSD, and gastrointestinal problems. The data reflect their individual experiences self-reported using the Releaf App.

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DOWNLOAD RELEAF APP TODAY TO TRACK, LEARN FROM, AND IMPROVE YOUR USE OF CANNABIS BY VISITING: releaf.at/GRAM

In case you missed the live video from our friends at Nugtopia, here it is! Jordan Person from Gram Magazine interviews Dr. Salm, a cannabis scientist that lived at an Antarctic Research station for 3 months! Covering terpenes, isolation and more…

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Jordan Person from Gram Magazine and Dr. Salm a cannabis scientist that lived at an Antarctic Research station for 2 years!

Posted by Tom Quigley on Monday, April 20, 2020